Hot flash experience in men with prostate cancer: a concept analysis.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To provide a clear definition of the hot flash experience in men with prostate cancer receiving hormonal treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Articles, book chapters, and electronic sources.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The hot flash experience has not been explored previously in men with prostate cancer. The physiologic and psychological scopes of the phenomenon are described as a multidimensional experience.

CONCLUSIONS

The essential attributes of hot flashes in men consist of physiologic (e.g., warmth, sweating, chills) and psychological (e.g., anxiety, impaired memory, agitation) factors. Antecedents to the experience include demographics, disease, and treatment modality. Consequences include effects on sleep, cognition, and health-related quality of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Evaluation of the hot flash experience in men receiving hormonal ablation should include assessment of the symptoms associated with the treatment modality and nursing interventions to help ameliorate symptoms. Future research is needed to focus on providing symptom management to decrease the severity or prevent the occurrence of multiple symptoms related to androgen ablation therapy.